Using Building Information Modeling To Teach Mechanical, Electrical, And Plumbing Coordination

Abstract

The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems has become a major challenge for project delivery teams. The MEP coordination process involves locating equipment and routing Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) duct, pipe, electrical raceway, and fire protection systems in a manner that satisfies many different types of constraints. For the past several years MEP coordination has involved sequentially comparing and overlaying drawings from multiple trades, in which representatives from each MEP trade work together to detect, and eliminate spatial and functional interferences between MEP systems. This multi-discipline effort is time-consuming and expensive. With the recent development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) this process has been able to evolve with the software technology thus enabling new teaching methods. This paper demonstrates how BIM technology can be used to teach students how to perform the MEP coordination process using a work process utilizing modeling software and information technology.

Interdisciplinary design checklists for mechanical, electrical and plumbing coordination in building projects

“…Thus, careful, timely consideration and communication between the design teams is paramount to avoiding mechanical conflicts. This conforms with the observation made by Korman and Simonian (2010), where it was recommended that the HVAC system be given the highest priority owing to its significant size. Similarly, Khanzode et al (2008) also noted that HVAC equipment consumed the largest space above the false ceiling, meaning that other trades relied on the partial or complete layout finalization before they could locate their respective utilities.…”

“…This observation is supported by Simonian and Korman (2011), where in a survey response the electrical contractor noted that the development of a 3-D model for the electrical work was not essential for coordination, unless the facility had a substantial electrical component in its design, such as data centers or power-generating facilities. This view was also expressed by Korman and Simonian (2010) who observed that engineers deem the electrical system as among the most flexible MEP systems to coordinate.…”

“…Similarly, Khanzode et al (2008) also noted that HVAC equipment consumed the largest space above the false ceiling, meaning that other trades relied on the partial or complete layout finalization before they could locate their respective utilities. As a consequence, any downstream modifications to the system would necessitate significant effort as the rerouting would be confined to a few locations which meet the space requirements (Korman and Simonian, 2010).…”

“…This observation should, however, not undermine the importance of plumbing coordination as the majority of the checklist items are considered "very important" as evidenced in Table III. Indeed, Korman and Simonian (2010) note that the sanitary drainage system, a major part of the plumbing system, should be considered after the HVAC dry system, due to the space requirement of sloping pipework needed for the conveyance of waste by gravity. With respect to the CD category, the most important coordination issue pertained to the interaction between the plumbing design team, and the civil and electrical design teams.…”